OBSESSED BY NUMBERS

Despite the many global upheavals, Malaysia expects 24 million foreign tourists this year,

In the past year, Japan was hit by an earthquake and tsunami, Europe saw an economic crisis, while political unrest and massive floods were the order of the day in the Middle East and Thailand, respectively.

Obsessed bu these numbers, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the ministry was multiplying efforts to ensure the number of tourists to the country remained stable in the coming years.

The efforts included focusing on potential countries to lure tourists and discussions with foreign airlines to have direct flights into the country, in addition to the MAS service.

"If MAS stopped its direct flight service from many cities like Dubai and Tokyo, we will have problems. It (direct flight service) is important because tourists do not like changing flights.

"We have discussed with the relevant parties in Russia to set up charter flights from the country to Malaysia. We welcome all direct flights to Malaysia.

"For example, there is no direct flight from Moscow. We need more flights to the KL International Airport, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi. That is vital," she told reporters after attending the ministry's first monthly assembly at its new building here Friday.

In 2009, Malaysia saw 23 million foreign tourists. Last year, there were 24.6 million tourists, ringing the cash register to the tune of RM56.4 billion.

Dr Ng said, despite the floods in several states, domestic tourism was unaffected and stable.

She said 36 million foreign tourists were expected to visit the country by 2020, with an estimated tourism income of RM168 billion.